Ying Zheng

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Lore & Background

Ying Zheng's early reign is marked by a coup attempt from his brother, Cheng Jiao. He is ambushed by skilled Shukyou assassins sent by Cheng Jiao shortly after a slave named Piao is taken from their village to serve as his double due to their identical appearance. When Piao dies warning Ying Zheng of the coup, the young king must flee with Xin and a young woman from the Mountain Tribe who had previously been part of a bandit group that ambushed them. They escape through mountain paths and bamboo forests, taking refuge in an ancient summer resort while recovering from poison and injuries. During this time, Ying Zheng learns that Piao sacrificed himself voluntarily. He also acknowledges Lü Buwei as a capable chancellor, though not a rival for the throne, highlighting the precarious political landscape he navigates even before facing his brother's eighty-thousand-strong army.

In Their Own Story

The narrative shifts from survival to strategic counter-attack when Ying Zheng's remaining forces arrive at the summer resort. Despite being outnumbered by Cheng Jiao's massive army, the king decides to seek aid from the Mountain Tribe, a group betrayed by the Qin royal family four hundred years prior. After being captured and brought before Chieftain Yang Duan He, who orders Xin beheaded to test his loyalty, Ying Zheng's mannerisms and dedication impress her, securing an alliance. Disguised as members of the Mountain Tribe, Ying Zheng and his small group infiltrate the royal palace under the guise of helping Cheng Jiao fight Lü Buwei. Inside, only fifty are allowed through the gates, with ten permitted to meet the pretender. A coordinated assault begins while Xin, Diao, and Bi use underground passages to reach the throne room. They face fierce resistance from Zuo Ci and Lang Kai, but Xin's renewed strength allows him to defeat Zuo Ci. Although Cheng Jiao escapes briefly, he is eventually confronted in the courtyard.

Reader's Guide

Ying Zheng's leadership is tested decisively when General Wang Qi appears with his army after the initial battle against Cheng Jiao. Wang Qi demands a satisfactory answer regarding Ying Zheng's vision for the future, threatening to behead him if he fails to provide one. Ying Zheng responds by vowing to unite China under the Warring States period, explicitly stating that force will be used as a means to ensure peace in the future. This declaration satisfies Wang Qi, who then allies with the king and orders Cheng Jiao's remaining army to retreat. The resolution of this conflict establishes Ying Zheng not just as a survivor, but as a legitimate ruler capable of commanding respect from powerful generals. His ability to forgive his brother while punishing him for the suffering caused demonstrates a complex moral code. This victory sets the stage for the subsequent films in the franchise, which continue his journey toward unification.

Did You Know?

• Ryo Yoshizawa played a dual role, portraying both King Ying Zheng and his lookalike Piao in the same film.
• The plot hinges on the fact that Ying Zheng was forced to use Piao as a decoy because they bore a striking physical resemblance.
• The film earned over ¥5.73 billion ($53.2 million USD) at the box office and received a 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Production and Casting

The character of Ying Zheng was brought to life by actor Ryo Yoshizawa, who also portrayed Piao, emphasizing the visual resemblance that drives a critical plot point involving deception. The film was directed by Shinsuke Sato, with a screenplay co-written by Sato, Tsutomu Kuroiwa, and manga creator Yasuhisa Hara. Production took place in both Japan and China during April 2018. A trailer released by Sony Pictures on January 16, 2019, promoted the film's nationwide release on April 19, 2019. The project grew from a 3-minute short released in 2016 starring Kento Yamazaki as Xin, establishing the foundation for this feature-length adaptation of Yasuhisa Hara's manga published by Shueisha.

Political Struggles and Survival

Ying Zheng faces immediate threats from his brother Cheng Jiao, who initiates a power struggle that results in the burning of villages and the murder of villagers. To protect himself, Ying Zheng relies on Piao, who is taken to serve as his double because they look alike. When Piao dies mortally wounded, he warns Ying Zheng about Cheng Jiao's plans before handing him a map to a meeting point. During their escape, Ying Zheng is attacked by skilled assassins and poisoned by darts, requiring refuge at an ancient summer resort. He admits that Lü Buwei is the only person who can outmatch him for the throne, highlighting the internal political dangers he faces alongside external military threats from Cheng Jiao's army of 80,000 soldiers.

Strategic Alliances and Tactics

Facing overwhelming odds, Ying Zheng makes the strategic decision to seek help from the Mountain Tribe, a former ally betrayed by the Qin royal family 400 years ago. After being captured and brought before Chieftain Yang Duan He, who orders Xin's execution as a test of loyalty, Ying Zheng's dedication impresses her, leading to an affiliation between the tribe and the Qin royalty. They then disguise themselves as part of the Mountain Tribe to infiltrate the royal palace, pretending to help Cheng Jiao fight Lü Buwei. Inside, they execute a coordinated attack while Xin uses underground passageways to reach the throne room, bypassing heavy defenses. This tactic allows them to confront key adversaries like Zuo Ci and Lang Kai, ultimately turning the tide against Cheng Jiao's forces despite being outnumbered.

Resolution and Franchise Legacy

The conflict concludes in the royal courtyard where Ying Zheng defeats his brother but spares him, beating him instead to punish him for the suffering he caused. General Wang Qi intervenes, asking what Ying Zheng will do as king and threatening to behead him if he is unsatisfied with the answer. Ying Zheng vows to unite China under the Warring States period, using force to ensure peace. Satisfied, Wang Qi allies with Ying Zheng and orders Cheng Jiao's army to retreat. The film ends with Xin celebrating the fulfillment of his and Piao's dreams. This story was adapted into a franchise including Kingdom 2: Far and Away (2022), Kingdom 3: The Flame of Destiny (2023), and Kingdom 4: Return of the Great General (2024), all produced by Sony Pictures Japan.